Dos and Don’ts When Submitting Your Resume

I need to take a break from the myriad of resumes I am currently screening for a senior-level HR role. It’s a great position (newly created…..you can really make your mark!) in a great organization working with stellar people. Hours are good; location is good; compensation and benefits are good; it’s a plum job! I was clear in the responsibilities, the qualifications and the method of applying.

I posted it and have been direct sourcing as well. I learned something new today. Some HR folks really don’t have a clue how to apply for a role or how to prepare a resume.

I know, that’s a pretty broad stroke I’m brushing (hey, I’m in HR) and I’m sure many, many folks will reach out and correct me. After all, this is our field. We should know better – but we don’t.

Here’s what I found out today during my screening and sourcing:

1. Despite asking for a resume and cover letter, the vast majority of the applicants from Linked In simply clicked on ‘apply’ and want me to view their profile to make a decision. OK. I can do that but……it tells me up front that either you cannot follow directions or can’t be bothered crafting a cover letter or a resume. So, I click on the profile but……it hasn’t been updated, there is very little information on roles, responsibilities and outcomes. Do you really want me to base my decision on whether or not to interview you based on a profile that tells me little? If you don’t want to send a resume and cover letter, please, please, please ensure your profile is the best it can be so that I can make the decision to interview you. If it’s not….you are surely one click away from ‘delete’.

2. If the role is a senior one (like this one) and asks for at least 6-10 years’ senior HR experience, please do not apply if all you have is one year in an HR coordinator role. You are surely wasting your time. Better that you reach out to me and see if there is another opportunity I know of for which you are qualified. Or, better yet, use your network to source that next great job.

3. Nowhere in my job posting do I ask for a ‘Valid Class G” drivers’ license. The fact that you have one – and listed it first in your qualifications – does not impress me. I don’t need it; I don’t care you have it; and it tells me that this is not the job for you. Now had you told me you built out a performance management program, I might be interested. If you had conducted a compensation review, I might be interested. The fact that you drive and have a valid license…..not so much. Ensure you are crafting your resume to the role for which you are applying. Show how you have what we need!

4. 4-1/2 pages of single spaced, 8 Font type to tell me each and every thing you did? Really? I’ve been working since 1980 and have a two page resume (with margins!). I don’t need a laundry list of every single solitary thing you’ve done. Think achievements. Think accomplishments. Be clear and be concise!

5. And the best one of all today…the one addressed to another company for a different role. And the best part — she listed ‘strong attention to detail’ as a competency.

Hope I’ve made you smile and given some of you a reason to look at your resumes and your submissions and improve upon them!